Processing and Uses    

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The Processing and Uses Track explores post-harvest handling, processing technologies, product formulation, and downstream applications of cannabis and hemp. Sessions address extraction methods, material processing, stability, bioavailability, industrial and consumer applications, and product innovation across medical, wellness, and industrial contexts. Emphasis is placed on scalable processes, safety, product performance, and the integration of research with real-world implementation.

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Hemp’s Expanding Role in the Bioeconomy: Regenerative Systems, Climate Mitigation, and Biobased Innovation

As global markets transition toward low-carbon, circular production models, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is re-emerging as a strategic feedstock in the bioeconomy. This session explores hemp’s multifunctional role across regenerative agriculture, environmental remediation, and biobased manufacturing systems.

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The session will examine hemp’s agronomic benefits within regenerative frameworks, including soil carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, reduced agrochemical inputs, and integration into diversified crop rotations. Hemp’s role as a phytoremediator for contaminated soils and brownfield redevelopment contexts, assessing both ecological outcomes and market implications for fiber and grain streams will also be explored.

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The session further evaluates hemp-derived materials as scalable alternatives to fossil-based products. Topics include hemp-based bioplastics and composite materials, hempcrete and other hemp building materials for low-embodied-carbon construction, and fiber applications such as biodegradable mulch films, weed mats, geotextiles, and erosion-control products. Comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) findings will be highlighted to assess performance, durability, carbon intensity, and end-of-life scenarios relative to conventional materials.

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The goal of the session is to link agronomy, materials science, and policy frameworks, that can positions hemp as a systems-level contributor to rural economic development, climate resilience, and domestic manufacturing revitalization. Attendees will gain a cross-sector understanding of current research and knowledge gaps, exposure to standardization and the barriers to commercialization that need to be addressed to integrate hemp more fully into regional and global bioeconomies.

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This interdisciplinary discussion is designed for researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators seeking evidence-based pathways for scaling hemp within regenerative and circular economic models.
 

 

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Optimization of Industrial Hemp Post-Harvest Processing for Targeted End Use

As industrial hemp production expands, the greatest opportunities and challenges now lie beyond cultivation. This session is designed to bridge the gap between production and high-value market applications by exploring the technical and regulatory considerations that determine whether hemp becomes a profitable commodity or a missed opportunity. Participants will gain insight into post-harvest handling, decortication, fiber refinement, grain cleaning and oilseed processing and emerging applications. This session will also focus on diversified end uses including textiles, biocomposites, construction materials (e.g., hempcrete), food and feed products, nutraceuticals, and industrial applications such as bioplastics and carbon sequestration materials. Special attention will be given to supply chain integration, scalability challenges, quality standards, and regulatory compliance. By highlighting both established and emerging markets, this session aims to help evaluate risk, identify value-added opportunities, and align production practices with downstream demand. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to support vertically integrated models, regional processing development, and long-term sustainability within the industrial hemp sector.